In a surprising turn of events in the 2024 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers have decided to bench their 2023 No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young, after just two games. The decision comes on the heels of a disappointing 0-2 start to the season, placing Young behind veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on the depth chart.
The start of Young’s career with the Panthers has been rocky, and the team’s early performance hasn't done much to alleviate concerns. The Panthers managed just 38 rushing attempts in their first two games while opponents amassed a combined 81 rushing attempts. This clear disparity has raised questions about the overall strategy and execution on both sides of the ball.
Despite this setback, Bryce Young remains composed and professional. Reflecting on the decision, he said, "Not something I was necessarily expecting. Obviously, not something that was great to hear, but I respect Coach [Dave] Canales, I respect the organization. They made the decision. ... Right now, that's the situation that it is. I have to do everything to help the team whatever way I can." This mature approach indicates that Young is willing to learn and grow from this experience, maintaining his focus on contributing positively to the team.
Young’s self-reflection doesn’t end there. He admitted, "At the end of the day, we had a ton of drives, a ton of games that I didn't do enough during that. I look in the mirror and I take accountability for that. ... For the most part, every snap hit my hands and I didn't do enough with it at the end of the day." His accountability shines through as he acknowledges his role in the team’s struggles while remaining hopeful for personal and collective improvement.
The support for Young isn’t limited to introspection and self-accountability. Basketball superstar LeBron James stepped in with words of encouragement, stating that the benching "ain't on you." Such support from a highly esteemed athlete can be crucial for a young player’s confidence and resilience in the face of early career challenges.
Furthermore, several Panthers teammates have rallied behind Young following their Week 2 loss to the Chargers. This solidarity within the team underscores the belief that Young remains a valuable asset, despite the current decision to bench him.
Head coach Dave Canales now faces the challenge of navigating this turbulent period. Canales must balance maintaining team morale and making strategic decisions that will improve their performance on the field. The upcoming games for the Panthers are crucial for determining the direction of their season, and how they respond to these early setbacks will be telling.
Young's perspective on his current situation reflects a level-headed maturity. "Really, I'm a day-by-day type of person. Big picture stuff, that's out of my hands. That's in God's hands. Organizational stuff, that's with the people upstairs. I'm super grateful to be part of this team, this organization. I wanna help the team any way I can, and that's my focus," he commented. Young's attitude suggests he is ready to absorb the learning experiences and stay prepared for his next opportunity.
The decision to place Young behind Dalton undoubtedly shifts the dynamics of the Panthers’ offense. Dalton’s extensive NFL experience might provide the stability needed to weather the storm, allowing Young the time needed to develop and adapt to the professional level. As the season progresses, the Panthers' coaching staff and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this decision impacts the team’s fortunes.
The early part of the season has presented significant challenges for Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. Yet, amid these hurdles, the responses from Young, his teammates, and supportive voices like LeBron James highlight a collective determination to overcome adversity. As the NFL season unfolds, the resilience and dedication of all parties involved will be critical in shaping the Panthers' journey forward.